NEWS ANALYSIS: Newly-appointed Ajit Pai is taking the first steps toward taking the secrecy out of the Federal Communications Commission’s rule making process. Admittedly it’s only a test, but if everything goes as expected, the Federal Communications Commission will throw off the veil of secrecy that has always kept the agency’s decision making out of the public’s view.
Category: Federal Communications Commission
FCC scraps net neutrality investigations of AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
The Federal Communications Commission said Friday that it is ending investigations into three major U.S. wireless carriers over potential violations of net neutrality rules. The FCC sent letters to Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile to inform the companies that the agency’s previous investigation was over.
FCC led by Trump pick starts to reverse Obama policies
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FCC suspends probes of telecommunications firms
The Federal Communications Commission on Friday suspended its probes into whether thee major telecommunications companies violated net neutrality rules with their data plans. The FCC’s wireless telecom bureau sent letters to AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile informing them that the probes were over.
FCC removes nine companies from Lifeline program
The Federal Communications Commission dealt a blow to a program intended to provide subsidized internet to the poor, announcing that nine companies would no longer be able to participate in the plan. Republican FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced the move on Friday afternoon to roll back the “midnight regulations” pushed through by his Democratic predecessor, Tom Wheeler.
Trump’s FCC closes AT&T and Verizon zero-rating inquiry – CNET
There’s a new sheriff in town at the Federal Communications Commission, and he just gave AT&T and Verizon a big pass. The FCC said Friday it would end its inquiry into the companies’ so-called zero rating offers that allow customers to watch video from certain applications from their mobile devices without it counting against their monthly data caps.
FCC – Sneeds to help close divide
Like food, water and electricity, robust broadband connectivity is a must-have for anyone who wishes to fully participate in our 21st century digital economy.
FCC dialing up changes too late for CBS, Entercom deal
Sweeping changes are likely to come to the FCC under new leadership and President Trump in office, but will most likely not have any impact on the merger between Entercom and CBS Radio. “You can’t just suddenly change the rules, you have to go through a whole notice and comment procedure, then rule-making.
Ajit Pai and the FCC’s Role in ISP Privacy Regulation under President Trump
On January 23, 2017, President Donald Trump named Ajit Pai as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission . In his previous role as the senior Republican on the FCC under President Barack Obama, Mr. Pai was an outspoken critic of the agency’s decision to assert jurisdiction over Internet Service Providers and its rules governing broadband privacy.
FCC to Vote on Advanced US Broadcast TV Standards
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is moving forward to advance a new broadcasting standard that would improve television picture quality, allow better access to programs via mobile phones and let broadcasters turn on a television set to send emergency alerts. Republican FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said the commission will vote Feb. 23 on whether to grant initial approval on a rule to allow broadcasters to use the new standard on a voluntary basis.
Uber CEO quits Trump’s business advisory group: sources
Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick has quit President Donald Trump’s business advisory group, sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Kalanick’s resignation comes after days of criticism about the executive’s decision to work with the president.
FCC Republican argues against more federal broadband subsidies
Federal Communications Commission member Michael O’Rielly is not a fan of calls to increase federal spending on broadband subsidies, arguing that the approach has “serious potential drawbacks.” O’Rielly, a Republican, posted a blog yesterday adding his thoughts to a debate “over whether there should be an expansive infrastructure spending and policy bill” with broadband-related infrastructure provisions.
Trump’s New FCC Chairman Ajit Pai May Drain the TCPA Swamp
In one of his first official actions, newly elected President Donald Trump tapped Ajit Pai as the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission , replacing outgoing chairman Tom Wheeler. Pai is a sharp critic of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act as it is currently being applied, meaning the FCC’s regulatory approach to the TCPA is likely to shift under his leadership.
Marketers express hope for a more pro-business FCC under Ajit Pai
Marketers are welcoming the appointment of new Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai, who took over from Tom Wheeler last week. The Association of National Advertisers and the American Association of Advertising Agencies expressed hope that Pai will overturn many of the sweeping privacy rules that were enacted by the agency under his predecessor Tom Wheeler, which limited data gathering, use and sharing by internet service providers like Verizon and Comcast.
Consumer groups: Protect robocall limits on student debt collectors
Consumer groups are asking the Federal Communications Commission to leave in place current rule limiting robocalls from student debt collectors. Student debt companies have requested a review of the agency rule , but a group of 18 consumer advocacy organizations signed a letter asking FCC Chairman Ajit Pai not to revisit it.
Biz Break: Apple investors buy what the company is selling
The new iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 7. Strong iPhone sales in the last three months of 2016 helped give investors enthusiasm for Apple’s stock on Wednesday. Well, for Apple, it was part of the reason why investors on Wednesday sent the company’s shares up to as much as $130.49, or their highest point since 2015.
Lawmakers Pushing Bills Aimed at Sexual Assault
As per Federal Communications Commission Regulations following is certified: Platte River Radio Inc. does not discriminate in the sale of commercial time, and will not accept advertising which, in its sole opinion, is purchased with intent to discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity. The advertiser hereby certifies that its purchase of commercial time is not made for an unlawful discriminatory purpose, including specifically that it is not based upon a decision to place advertising on a station on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity.
Governor Approves New Protocol for Lethal Injections
As per Federal Communications Commission Regulations following is certified: Platte River Radio Inc. does not discriminate in the sale of commercial time, and will not accept advertising which, in its sole opinion, is purchased with intent to discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity. The advertiser hereby certifies that its purchase of commercial time is not made for an unlawful discriminatory purpose, including specifically that it is not based upon a decision to place advertising on a station on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity.
Week ahead: FCC enters new era under Pai
The Federal Communications Commission will hold an open meeting on Tuesday, its first of the year and the first with Ajit Pai as its chairman. The commission will consider eliminating a regulation that requires commercial broadcasters to keep copies of letters and emails from the public on hand.
What Happens If Net Neutrality Goes Away?
The “days are numbered” for the net neutrality rules enacted by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission under Barack Obama, at least if you take President Trump’s newly appointed FCC chairman Ajit Pai’s word for it. So what happens after they are gone? Pai , an FCC commissioner since 2012, was a harsh critic of the agency’s ” Open Internet Order ,” which it passed in 2015 via a 3-2 party line vote.
Moto G5 passes through FCC – budget powerhouse phone incoming?
If you’re on the hunt for a budget phone, we’ve got good news: Motorola’s Moto G5 appears to be on the way. The Motorola Moto G5 has been granted clearance in the USA by the Federal Communications Commission, removing one of the final hurdles before an actual release.
cyberWill Trumpa s Trolls Allow His FCC Pick to End the Open…
It seems unlikely that President Trump’s internet base – the trolls and activists from 4chan, Reddit, Twitter, and elsewhere, whose “meme magic” helped the president dominate social media during the election – would be able to find much common ground with opponents of the new administration. The online “Trump Train” has a vituperative hatred for the snowflakes and SJWs of the Democratic Party, and there are no issues on which the meme magicians wouldn’t fall into lockstep behind the man they call “god-emperor.”
Ajit Pai can restore regulatory humility to the FCC
As one of his first actions on office, President Trump selected Ajit Pai to be the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. It was a phenomenal choice.
The long, long reach of Newton Minow
Newton Minow doesn’t know why he’s called that. He says it’s a family name. He had cousins named Newton.
Slossberg wants FCC to end WFSB’s tiff with Optimum
State Sen. Senator Gayle Slossberg on Thursday fired off a letter to the Federal Communications Commission asking the agency to help end a contract dispute that has left Cablevision viewers without WFSB, the CBS affiliate in Connecticut, traditionally known as Channel 3. This blackout has left much of southern Fairfield County and parts of New Haven and Litchfield counties without access to WFSB, the only CBS-TV affiliate in Connecticut. Cablevision has been without WFSB since Jan. 13. “My constituents are outraged that they have missed the recent Patriots games, and they have every right to be,” Slossberg said, adding that the FCC “has failed to intervene,” even though it could help get the two sides together.
Broadband in New York to get funding boost
FCC will reverse course and direct $170 million to the Empire State after threatening to bid the money out elsewhere. Broadband in New York to get funding boost FCC will reverse course and direct $170 million to the Empire State after threatening to bid the money out elsewhere.
New Fears for Future of Net Neutrality
Ajit Pai, named the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission by President Donald Trump yesterday, is likely to seek changes to the organization’s stance on Net Neutrality. Pai was one of two commissioners to vote against the FCC’s 3-2 approval of the Open Internet Order in early 2015.
at&T Ceo optimistic about tax reform under Trump
“I was meeting with a CEO. It was obvious,” Stephenson said on a conference call to discuss AT&T’s fourth quarter earnings.
New phone area code may be coming to New Jersey
The state’s Board of Public Utilities said Wednesday that it is considering a request to add a new area code because numbers in the 609 area code are running out. Neustar, the Federal Communications Commission’s numbering plan administrator, says that numbers in the 609 area code will run out in the third quarter of 2018.
Trump’s FCC Chairman Pick Ajit Pai Vows To Close Broadband ‘Digital Divide’
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: On his first full day as Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Republican Ajit Pai yesterday spoke to FCC staff and said one of his top priorities will be bringing broadband to all Americans . “One of the most significant things that I’ve seen during my time here is that there is a digital divide in this country — between those who can use cutting-edge communications services and those who do not,” Pai said .
Democratic senators want AT&T to detail Time Warner deal benefits
WASHINGTON: Thirteen Democratic senators on Wednesday asked AT T Inc to explain how its planned US$85.4 billion takeover of Time Warner Inc is in the public interest, as the company hopes to avoid a review of the deal by the primary U.S. telecommunications agency.Earlier this month, AT T said in a securities filing it expected to bypass the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in its acquisition of the owner of HBO, CNN, Turner Broadcasting and Warner Brothers and only face U.S. Justice Department review.AT T does not plan to acquire a Time Warner TV station in Atlanta that has an FCC license, which would automatically trigger a review.Democratic senators Al Franken, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Ed Markey and nine others urged AT T and Time Warner in a letter to submit a public interest statement to them by Feb. 17 that would required as part of an FCC review “detailing how you … (more)
With Senate okay, Nikki Haley makes history
Washington, Jan 25 – The US Senate has confirmed Nikki Haley to the cabinet-level position of ambassador to the UN, marking a major milestone in Indian American ascendancy in US politics. Haley, who has said she would work to reform the UN, was nominated to the position by President Donald Trump and won the support of an overwhelming Senate majority cutting across the political divide on Tuesday.
Trump FCC Chair Pick Puts Net Neutrality in Crosshairs
Ajit Pai, named the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission by President Donald Trump yesterday, is likely to seek changes to the organization’s stance on Net Neutrality. Pai was one of two commissioners to vote against the FCC’s 3-2 approval of the Open Internet Order in early 2015.
Trump has picked Ajit Pai to serve as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
Trump has picked Ajit Pai to serve as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Pai is currently the senior Republican commissioner at the FCC and does not require Senate approval.
Ad Industry Expects New FCC Chair…
It’s “highly likely” that Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai will grant the ad industry’s request to revisit tough broadband privacy rules, the Association of National Advertisers predicted today. “Chairman Pai is a very thoughtful leader who understands the critical role advertising plays as a financial foundation for the online and media marketplace,” the ANA said in a blog post hailing Pai’s appointment.
Overnight Tech: Chairman Pai’s first day | Democrats stress over …
“I am deeply grateful to the President of the United States for designating me the 34th Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission,” Pai said in a statement. In the morning, Pai announced the appointment of his acting general counsel Brendan Carr.
Donald Trump names Republican Ajit Pai to head FCC
President Trump is naming Republican Ajit Pai, a foe of the Obama administration’s “net neutrality” rules, to become chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. “I am deeply grateful to the president of the United States for designating me the 34th Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission,” Mr. Pai said.
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President Donald Trump promoted and appointed Republican member of the Federal Communications Commission Ajit Pai to chairman of the government agency Monday. Pai, a lawyer, is a staunch opponent to net neutrality – a concept the Obama administration pushed throughout its tenure.
Trump picks Indian-American Ajit Pai as new FCC head
President Donald Trump has picked a fierce critic of the Obama-era “net neutrality” rules to be chief regulator of the nation’s airwaves and internet connections. In a statement Monday, Ajit Pai said he was grateful to the president for choosing him as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
Trump picks PIO to head communications body
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has picked Ajit Vardaraj Pai, an outspoken opponent of new net neutrality, to head the crucial Federal Communications Commission , making him the fourth Indian-American in the administration at the senior level. “I am deeply grateful to the President of the United States for designating me the 34th cairman of the Federal Communications Commission,” Pai said in a statement.